'Bachelorette's' Arie Luyendyk 'would be flattered' to be the next Bachelor

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“Bachelorette” runner-up Arie Luyendyk spoke with the press Tuesday (July 24) about his time on the show and whether or not he’s open to being the next Bachelor.

Would he change anything about the experience?

“I don’t think I would change anything. I feel like the show portrayed our relationship pretty well. Obviously there was a lot more conversation, they did show our physical side. And even though the live show was nerve-wracking for me, it went well … I was happy with it.”

On the trip to Charlotte with the journal:

“When I decided to go to Charlotte, I had no idea the outcome [of the show]. After talking to Emily’s mom [in Curacao], I really felt Emily’s mom wanted her to wait, so I felt like she wasn’t engaged to Jef. I really felt like her mind wasn’t made up yet. So I flew to Charlotte with that on my mind. If I knew Jef and Emily were engaged, I would never have flown to Charlotte. I have too much respect for their relationship and for Jef.

I found out that she hadn’t read [the journal] when we talked on the phone. She called me about a month after the show wrapped and we talked for quite awhile. She said it wasn’t right for her to read the journal and I totally respected that because at that point I knew they were engaged.”

On being the next Bachelor:

“That’s a very tough decision and I’d really have to put a lot of thought to that. Obviously, months have gone by since the taping, but it’s a very emotional journey. It’d be a very tough decision for me, but I would be flattered if they asked.”

On his dating life since the show:

“I haven’t dated at all, actually, out of respect for the show. And obviously the viewers really felt like it was either Jef or I, so I didn’t want to give anything away … I haven’t been on any dates. I’ve been getting recognized, it’s very sweet. Everyone’s been very kind, it’s great to see I have so much support on the show.”